Youngster Iago Falque has described teammate Gareth Bale as 'among the best in the world' but admits he is concerned as to whether the Welshman will leave the club. Speaking to Spanish radio, Falque said the situation is 'not easy' and suggested his teammate is stressed by the developments. Falque said: "I see him more serious than usual."

Tottenham director Keith Mills has expressed his concern that the club may not be able to hang onto Gareth Bale.

He told the Standard: "If a player is desperate to leave, it's very difficult to force him to stay, we've seen it in other clubs, even if he has a contract, you can't force somebody to play for you."

Gareth Bale is reportedly the subject of a death threat, with the Star reporting a 'chilling telephone call' was made to Tottenham's training ground threatening the Welshman, who was not at the ground at the time. Security is said to have been stepped up in response.

Talk concerning Jermain Defoe's potential Tottenham exit is heightening, in light of Roberto Soldado's arrival. Besiktas are claimed to be interested in him after dropping their interest in Emmanuel Adebayor after balking at his wage demands.

Dan Coombs

Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.
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